Pandora cooking up Christmas Day tradition; meal open to everyone [12/24/2002]

Anyone who knows John Pandora knows where he'll be on Christmas Day. For the past 18 years he has headed the annual American Legion Post 95 Christmas Day Celebration at Eastern Slope Elks Lodge, just south of the North Conway strip. What started out as a meal for a handful has grown by leaps and bounds to a complete homemade Christmas dinner for more than 200.The Legion also delivers meals to those who aren't able to attend. Conway Police Department and Rowell's Rolling Wheels offer rides to and from the dinner.This free community dinners dates back nearly two decades. Pandora approached his fellow American Legion Post 95 members in 1983 and told them of his plans to host a Christmas dinner for the community. That first year 37 people turned out and the dinner has grown every year; more than 200 are expected tomorrow. Last year, 164 dinners were served, many delivered to the homebound."That first year," Pandora said, "I came before the membership and asked for $300 to host a Christmas dinner for shut-ins. I felt we needed to do something for the community. We had been taking a lot out of the community as well as giving a lot back, but my idea was do something good for everyone and anyone. Some members said I was crazy to open up for free. They thought we'd be full and run out of food very quickly."Well that first year we had 37 people and I was really disappointed," he said. "I asked a fellow why there were so few people and he told me, 'You held the dinner at 2 p.m. damn fool; don't you know us old people like to eat at noon.' So we changed the time to 12 noon the next year and you know he was right, we had 100 people and it's grown every year since then. Anyone who didn't have a place to go was invited and we even gave out presents to everyone."The meal is prepared Christmas Eve and served up the next afternoon at the Elks Club on White Mountain Highway. "The good thing about this is all of the volunteers," Pandora said. "Last year I had 34 people helping out. These are people, including a lot of post members, who are willing to give up their time to come and help out. It's become a tradition for them. I've had people working with me for the past 18 years; they wouldn't miss it. I do all of the prepping work but the volunteers are phenomenal."Is any more help needed? "I don't dare advertise," Pandora, said, laughing. "Two years, I said we needed some help and the response was amazing. So many people called to offer their services and left their phone numbers it was incredible. The only thing we lacked last year and may need this time are a few more drivers for home delivery. We usually have plenty of volunteers some out and help. Anyone would would like to lend a hand is more than welcome it's a very rewarding experience. I know I get a lot of satisfaction out of it. If people want they can give me a call (207-935-2552) and we'll put you to work."Transportation is provided for those unable to get to the Elks Club on their own. "The Conway Police Department has helped us out every year with rides (356-5715) to anyone who needs them and Rowell's Rolling Wheels also donates transportation," Pandora said.Chef Pandora will be serving the traditional Christmas dinner: roast turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, boiled onions, squash, corn, peas, carrots, breads, cranberry jelly and a wide range of desserts."Last year I cooked 210 pounds of turkey," Pandora said. "We'll do maybe a little bit more than that this year. We're planning on cooking for 300. I'll cook right around 210 pounds of turkey; 60 pounds of potatoes; 40 pounds of onions; 40 pounds of squash and so on... Now we have people willing to help out who asked for the turkey carcasses when everything is done. They're great for making a good soup. I like to say we have everything from soup to nuts."We do a lot of the prep work the day before," he said. "We have a crew come in that day and we do all of the vegetables. On Christmas morning I usually get to the kitchen by 8 a.m. and we're always on schedule for noon... One thing I want to do is thank the local businesses who help make all of this possible. Shaw's, Leavitt's Bakery, North Country Wholesale, Hill's Nursery, Grant's and Wal-Mart and many other individuals it's really too numerous to mention all deserve a big thank-you."Pandora said everyone is invited to the meal."It's completely open to the public," he said. "Everyone is welcome, no questions asked. It's open to all ages and we even get a few families in and a lot of senior citizens. We're usually there from noon until about 2:30 p.m., when we're having coffee. Everybody gets a gift as well from the American Legion... I really wouldn't know what to do with myself on Christmas Day if I wasn't cooking. This is my tradition."